VICTORY VISION TOUR (2008 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
| Power: | 92 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (26.5 in / 673 mm) |
| Weight: | High (869 lbs / 394 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Victory Vision Tour is so out of this world, you wouldn’t be surprised if little green men stepped out of a pannier. But underneath the outrageous size and style is a damned good big-twin tourer loaded with gadgets.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Vision handles far better than it should – it’s like a supersport bike next to it’s main rival, the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. The suspension smoothly damps out bumps and copes admirably with the weight without pitching and bouncing, especially if you pump the rear air shock up. Braking is OK – it does the job as long as you don’t hope to hammer on the brakes at the last minute everywhere. ABS is standard for 2010, which helps.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 1731cc ‘Freedom’ engine in the Vision isn’t the fastest thing in the world, but surprisingly for a big narrow-angle twin it’s smooth, and holds out on to it’s power through the rev range rather than running out of puff. It makes enough torque that a pillion or luggage makes little impact. Above ninety it starts to strain against the barn-door fairing – it’ll do it, but high-speed isn’t the point of the Vision.
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Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueVictory is still a growing brand so a solid reputation for reliability is a few years away, but there’s no major faults reported with any of the bikes using the same engine, and MCN put 7000 miles on a Vision with only a minor software issue afflicting the stereo. Service intervals are disappointingly short at 2500 miles though – long foreign trips will require careful timing if you don’t want to go past the service interval. Built quality is stunning – the ‘Victory’ badges on the fairing light up at night for the final needless, but cool, touch.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThere’s no doubt you get a lot of bike for the money – it’s a brilliant way for you and a pillion to cover miles in style. It makes the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide feel and look cheap as well as riding better, and it’s considerably cheaper than the Honda GL1800 Goldwing, though the Honda boasts six-cylinder power and even more toys. If you have this much cash to spend on a bike, you’ll have your own perception of value anyway. Find a Victory Vision for sale
Equipment
Dull motorways are made more interesting by the Victory – you can marvel at the buttons for hours. Cruise control and a high-quality stereo (complete with iPod jack to control it through the dash) plus heated seats and grips. A reverse gear is fitted to help move the behemoth backwards, and impress onlookers. Comfort is excellent, allowing you to use all the 200 plus miles fuel-range in one hit. Compare and buy parts for the Vision in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1731cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v air-cooled 50° v-twin. Six gears, belt drive |
| Frame type | Cast aluminium cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 22.7 litres |
| Seat height | 673mm |
| Bike weight | 394kg |
| Front suspension | none |
| Rear suspension | Air-adjustable preload |
| Front brake | Twin 300mm discs, three-piston calipers. Linked ABS. |
| Rear brake | 300mm disc, two-piston caliper. Linked ABS |
| Front tyre size | 130/70R18 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/60R16 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 37 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £200 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 92 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 109 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 110 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 215 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2008: Introduced. Two models – Vision Street, without topbox and some accessories, and the Vision Tour, with top box and full spec.
2010: ABS introduced as standard fit.
Other versions
Vision 8-Ball: Introduced 2010, stripped of top box, shorter screen, all electronic accessories and painted all-black, costing £13,495.
Owners' reviews for the VICTORY VISION (2008 - on)
3 owners have reviewed their VICTORY VISION (2008 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your VICTORY VISION (2008 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
Version: Arlen Ness
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £200
Best features are the engineering that went into every aspect of the bike. Worst features are the saddlebags were built more for form than function. That being said, there's still plenty of space between the two of them and the trunk for touring.
The air adjustable mono shock on the rear let's you dial in your firmness. It rides much smoother than other bikes I own on the same roads. I can ride her until she needs fuel which is around 250 miles.
Engine is well designed and very reliable. Power and torque are incredible, especially for a bike designed 15 years ago.
People who see her as well as myself can't believe she's 10 years old... looks and rides like new. I've never had a mechanical issue at all, though I do maintain her properly. There's absolutely no signs of corrosion or unusual wear.
Generally 2 oil changes per year and cleaning the K&N air filter and plugs. Tires are as needed.
Favorite feature - long floorboards that offer numerous locations for foot placement. No need for highway pegs. Honorable mentions... Heated grips and seat, cruise control, adjustable windscreen, tip over protection, in-frame air intake, Ness Kicker radio and speakers are better than non Ness version, locking fuel cap and a dedicated place to keep cap while fueling.
Buying experience: Bought privately as Victory is not in production anymore.
Version: Vision Tour
Year: 2010
Everything an American Full Dress tourer should be. I was converted to full dress tourers a few years back after a tour on a Honda Goldwing around New Zealand's South Island. Having tried a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide I've found the Victory to be better than both and all for less money.
The ride quality is great and the air-adjustable rear suspension really works well. the brakes are fine but the front could do with more bite.
Everything a Harley-Davidson big twin should be. Smooth and continues to pull beyond 3500Rpm which is handy when overtaking something. Plus it looks great too and really encourages you to get into the swing of things by being some low revving and muscular.
So far so good.
I got my bike for a good price but the servicing costs aren't particularly great. Plus service intervals on my model are every 4000Kms, which is a pain.
Heated seats, grips, HID headlight, Electrically adjustable screen (Take note Honda and H-D), gear indicator, clear instruments, IPod-compatible stereo... The list goes on and on.
Version: Tour
Year: 2008
Like my Vision. Best features you get to talk to lots of people. Worst feature lots of people always around the bike. I have parked the bike, switched off and put the stand down; couldn't get off the bike on the right-hand side as a mechanic was already on the deck looking underneath and bumped into three bikers as I got off on the left-hand side. All in 10 seconds, honest!
Does anything and does it all well. Great fun slow riding (thanks Craig Jones-Bike Skills Academy). Motorway all day if you really want (although cars will come alongside to take photos; yes they do). Continental roads bliss. Only ever worn vented gloves and open face. Did once get wet on a Dutch residential road in a storm in a 20kph speed limit, Otherwise faring and screen take the pounding.
Over 1700cc and a Stage 1 boost. Thinking of more...
Black Forest 2014, Pyrenees west-east-west 2015. Frequent daily commute. Front forks now need a blast/powder coat. Otherwise shines like new... we do all spend hours polishing chrome don't we?
Frequent oil service a cost. MPG excellent especially on long lazy tours in the sun.
Got everything. But added a sub woofer in the trunk and LED lighting (see chrome comment above).
Buying experience: Friendly Victory dealers wherever you go.
